Sewing Facings and Developing Facing Patterns is another terrific class offered by Pattern Review and Sarah Veblen. As with all Ms. Veblen's classes there is a strong emphasis the theory of the subject matter and then a thorough, detailed treatment of the practical elements of the subject. The first lesson in Sewing Facings and Developing Facing Patterns is on the function of a facing and from there the next six lessons (seven in all) cover anything you will need to sew beautiful facings. You will also have the knowledge to change a facing, however you want on a garment. This includes the neckline, the hemline or the waist on pants if you so chose. The lessons have many pictures, that show the concept nicely, and good written instructions along with each concept. Thus if you learn visually you will "see" the concept and if you do better learning through written instruction you will be happy also.

I do strongly suggest that a person who is going to take this class should take the Understanding Interfacing class first so they can get the most out of this class. Interfacing is an key component of facings and for a nice facing a person needs a sound knowledge of each element, both facing and interfacing. Ms. Veblen briefly covered interfacings but it is more useful for a student to take the Understanding Interfacings class first and thus get more out of their time and money in the Sewing Facings and Developing Facing Patterns.

Ms. Veblen posts the lessons the night before the scheduled date. In each class taught by Sarah Veblen I am able to print the lessons out on my way to bed the night before and have them ready to read with my morning espressos and green tea.

The exercises for the class are relevant and efficient and teach the concept while not taxing my time.

The lessons are written clearly and concisely while still maintaining a tone of encouragement and confidence that the student will be able to accomplish what subject is taught.

Ms. Veblen also used the board and photo gallery to further explain any instruction that was not fully understood in the lessons. For instance, I had a difficult time picturing the orientation of a grainline in my mind and Sarah was prompt to take a photo and have it up on the board and class photo gallery.

The chats are fun and fast. When there is a lag in questions Sarah Veblen is great to get the ball rolling again by asking the students questions therefore creating an opportunity for the students think through the techniques or designs of a garment and be prepared to ask the correct questions for themselves later when deciding how to go about sewing a garment. Sarah Veblen is also very gentle, but successful in keeping the discussions on topic during the chats.

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Mufffet said... (11/10/08 2:50 PM)ReplyI wish I could add another VERY HELPFUL here. I signed up for this class yesterday, and I must say a reread of your review was really encouraging! Succinct yet detailed, this review is excellent.

Mufffet said... (2/19/07 10:30 AM)ReplyThanks for a great review of what sounds like a terrific class!